Corporations and joint stock companies should have such legislation and judicial aid afforded them as is necessary to give them a legal being, and place them on an equal plane with individuals, and no more. All privileges, immunities, and favors granted to them, beyond such as are necessary for the above enumerated purposes, are in conflict with the spirit and genius of our government. The granting of exclusive privileges to individuals or companies tends to build up an aristocracy of wealth, to array capital against labor, and to divide the people into classes. While we have no titled aristocracy in this country, under the fostering care of the government an aristocracy of wealth has sprung up among us, more despotic in its nature than exists in the old world. It holds in its grasp the labor of the country; it compels the whole people to pay tribute to it; it is constantly asking, claiming, and receiving additional strength at the expense of the people. So great has its power become throughout the country as to alarm all who have considered the subject. For the purpose of self-protection, the laboring community throughout the country are banding together to resist this monopoly. The Patrons of Husbandry are moving in the same direction, all feeling assured that no time must be lost, and that the welfare of the country, the perpetuity of our free institutions, and the privilege of owning and enjoying the fruits of thrift and labor, without giving at least one-half of them to support these monopolies, demand prompt, united, and efficient action. We propose discussing the different matter referred to in the following order:-- I. Donations of land and government subsidies, and their effect upon the people and the country. II. The oppressions practiced, and unjust discriminations made by railroad companies in the transportation, shipping, and storage of freights. III. The unjust system of taxation and discrimination made by legislatures and congress in favor of railroad companies. IV. The financial policy of the government, and the aid afforded by it to corporations and monopolies. V. The tendency of the courts of the country to uphold special or class legislation in favor of monopolies and corporations, at the sacrifice of the interests and rights of the people. VI. The banking system of the country with its useless burdens imposed upon the public. VII. The policy of protective tariff, and its effect upon the people and the interests of the country. VIII. The evils incident to the patent laws of the country. IX. The author will present his views respecting the means to be used for redressing the grievances considered by him.